On Tuesday, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg announced that the organization has taken significant measures to prepare military forces against Russian aggression as Russia has invaded separatist regions of Ukraine.
“We condemn Moscow’s decision to recognize the self-proclaimed Donetsk People’s Republic and Luhansk People’s Republic,” Stoltenberg said. “We also condemn the further Russian incursion into Ukraine. Moscow has now moved from covert attempts to destabilize Ukraine, to overt military action. This is a serious escalation by Russia. And a flagrant violation of international law.”
“It further undermines Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” Stoltenberg continued. “It damages efforts to find a peaceful resolution to the conflict. And it has grave consequences for European security. This is a crisis created by Russia alone. We commend Ukraine for its restraint in not responding to Russia’s repeated provocations. We stand in solidarity with the Ukrainian people and its government. Allies are united in their full support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders. We will continue to provide Ukraine with strong political support and Allies are providing equipment to help Ukraine defend itself, as well as sustained financial support.”
“For months, Russia has been building up a massive military force in and around Ukraine,” Stoltenberg said. “Including in Belarus. With well over 150,000 troops and fighter jets and attack helicopters. Many units are now forward deployed in combat formations. They are out of their camps, in the field and ready to strike.”
Stoltenberg stated that NATO is “resolute and united in its determination to protect and defend all Allies.”
“In the last weeks, Allies have deployed thousands of more troops to eastern part of the Alliance and placed more on standby,” he added. “We have over 100 jets at high alert. And there are more than 120 Allied ships at the sea, from the High North to the Mediterranean.”
Stoltenberg then warned that NATO would do “whatever is necessary to shield” member countries, which does not include Ukraine, from Russian aggression.
“This is the most dangerous moment in European security for a generation,” he said. “But Europe and North America continue to stand strong together in NATO, united and committed to defend and protect each other.”
